press
The Viola Project has been featured in some of Chicago's finest publications, including the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun Times, the Pioneer Press, and TimeOut Chicago. Here are two of the more recent articles:
Pioneer Press: Wicker Park Booster
Would you like to feature The Viola Project in your newspaper, magazine, radio or television program? Send an email or call Reina Hardy at 312-330-3031.
What Students, Parents and Teachers Are Saying About The Viola Project...
"I like being able to act and get to know others that are interested in Shakespeare as I am. It is also very interesting because at the same time as acting, we're learning about Shakespeare." (Cora, Age 12)
"Nothing my daughter has done in or outside of school has excited or inspired her as much as Viola. She is an active and creative learner and finds self-confidence through challenge. This program has built aspirations in her to act during a time in her life in which she finds few aspirations. She once told me she wished school could be just like Viola!" ( parent)
"The enthusiasm the teachers bring to their work is infectious. My daughter loves their sessions-- she's learning about Shakespeare in a nurturing, caring environment and something that could be dry and inaccessible becomes alive, exciting, and relevant. Bravo!" (Rina, parent)
"Emotions don't change, love doesn't change over hundreds or thousands of years, it doesn't change. Friendships don't change and deceit doesn't change. So that's what these plays are about. Once you get down to the meaning of it, it's really interesting." (Student, Age 14)
"My daughter did a one-day seminar with the Viola Project and absolutely adored it. She got a lot out of it even though she probably knows more about Shakespeare by now than most adults living on the planet. And yet it works very well for 'newcomers' too. I have tremendous respect for these dedicated teachers." (A Parent)
"You can tell people 'I understand Shakespeare' and they don't believe us! But it's really satisfying to know." (Student, Age 14)
"The enthusiasm and
the energy of the women that conducted the workshop were great- the
scenework that you did was wonderful, and the stage combat demonstration
was very strong." (Donna
Martin, St. Scholastica Academy)
"The other acting camps [that I did in the past] weren't really
focused on anything, they just made up their own plays and we acted them
out. This is more focused, it's a lot more fun and more purposeful, we can
gain an interest in Shakespeare while we act and do things that we
love." (Student, Age 12)
"The lesson plan is fun and high energy!" (Illinois Arts Council)